Today’s Reading, Joshua 1-4
Focal Scripture: Joshua 3:8 “Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant: When you reach the edge of the water, stand in the Jordan.”
Knowing you’re called to do something and actually getting it done, are two very different situations. You can have all of the best ideas and meticulously think about all of the details and things still not get accomplished. Plans only get you so far, you actually have to step out and do the work, regardless of how scary it may seem in the moment. People who can attack their problems or stand up in the middle of them will accomplish great things. To do this you must have a confidence in something that is greater than yourself. You must trust the Lord.
In today’s reading we catch up with Joshua and the Israelites. Moses has died and Joshua is now in charge of the people. He sends spies into the land and he finds out the people have been waiting for them to take over. Their hearts melted with fear because the Lord God demonstrated his tremendous power. Then the Israelites were commanded to cross the Jordan. They were given an impossible task but God had a plan. He told the priests to stand in the Jordan River. God didn’t want them to run from their trouble, he wanted them to confront their troubles.
We have so much to learn from this account in scripture. First, God will fulfill his promises at the right time. Second, God will be with us during an impossible season of our life. Finally, God doesn’t want us to run away from difficulty, he wants us to trust him more than we trust ourselves. This requires faith and obedience. It requires trust and a belief that God’s ways are perfect.
Right now I am about to embark on a new journey in my life. I am scared that I will fail and let people down. However, God has told me to step out in faith and stand in my Jordan. It is not my job to take care of the results, it is my job to give God my all and trust him to handle the difficulties.
God wants me to stand firm in my difficulties and fears. He wants the same for you. I am not sure what God is asking you to do, but I challenge you to go do it and be obedient to his calling in your life. What a great testimony to say that you stood firm in a difficult situation. My hope and your hope is in the Lord. He will place our feet in the perfect place and at the right time.
Trust him, even when it doesn’t make sense and there seems to be no way.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Joshua 5-8
